Riz Khan

Mission accomplished or abandoned?

As the US military presence winds down in Iraq, we ask where Iraq goes from here.

Iraqis face the daunting task of rebuilding their country as the US begins to wind down its military operations after seven years of occupation. The last American combat brigade rolled out last week, leaving a country devastated by an anti-US insurgency, civil war and political squabbling.

Iraq still does not have a new government five months after elections were held and the prolonged stalemate is adding to the ongoing uncertainty.

Some are worried that Iraqi security forces are not ready to take over and sectarian violence could erupt again. Washington still has 50,000 troops deployed in the country to help Iraq’s government with counter-terrorism, reconstruction and training.

JOIN THE DEBATE

undefined
Send us your views and get your voice on the air

When those American soldiers leave at the end of 2011, private contractors from the US are likely to take over some of those responsibilities.

On Monday’s Riz Khan we ask: Is the US really withdrawing from Iraq or is it preparing the ground to wield soft power there for years to come?

Joining the show will be Michael Corbin, the US deputy assistant secretary of state for Iraq; Ali al-Dabbagh, a spokesman for the Iraqi government; and Alaa Makki, a member of parliament from the opposition Iraqiya Alliance.

You can join the conversation. Call in with your questions and comments on Monday, August 23, at our live time of 1630GMT. Repeats air at 2130GMT, and the next day at 0230GMT and 1130GMT.